NBA Rumors: James Harden reverses course, is willing to play for Sixers?

NBA Rumors: Has James Harden reversed course and is he now willing to play for the Philadelphia 76ers this season? 

Since the moment James Harden originally opted into the final year of his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers and requested a trade, this entire trade saga has been quite unpredictable. Quite frankly, it’s also been unexpected. In a vacuum, the Sixers present the best possible path toward winning this season for Harden. And for some reason, he wanted out. Instead of doing so the conventional way, in which he could’ve left in free agency, he tried to force a trade out when he didn’t have to.

The entire situation has been odd. And it may have just gotten even more mysterious.

After not showing up for media day, Harden did show up for training camp Wednesday. He even joined the team for practice in their most recent session. As you would expect, shortly after it was revealed that Harden was en route to training camp, there were multiple reports that suggested he was doing so to make a “mess” of the situation.

However, those initial reports may have been off. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowskiski, there’s recent “hope and optimism” that the situation between Harden and the Sixers could be resolved.

In other words, there’s renewed hope that Harden could be part of the team this season.

James Harden should play out the season with the Philadelphia 76ers

It’s clear that Harden’s teammates want him to be part of the Sixers this season. That much was evident when they spoke on Media Day regarding the issue. The Sixers know what’s at stake here. It’s pretty clear to see that if Harden isn’t on the team, they don’t have a great chance to win on the highest stage this season.

The Sixers need Harden to accomplish what they want to accomplish this season. And at the same rate, the same could be said about Harden.

I suppose he would be in a great situation if he were to get moved to LA but considering that’s far from a guarantee even if he is traded, Harden could come to the conclusion that the Sixers may be the best situation for him this year.

Harden could play out this season in Philly and still get the big-money deal he is seeking next summer. That could be a win-win for him. Harden would get his money this season and have a good chance to compete for a title with Joel Embiid and the Sixers. Then, once this season is over, he could explore the open market and seek that change of scenery if that’s what he genuinely wants.

The Sixers and Harden need each other. Maybe the realization has finally hit both sides?